Housing Assistance for Seniors in South Dakota

Last updated: January 21, 2026

Key takeaways

• For fast help with rent, shelter, or a shutoff notice, call 211 or visit the South Dakota Helpline Center to get connected to local programs near you.
• The best long-term rental help comes from HUD programs: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), senior-designated apartments (including Section 202), and public housing. You apply through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs); waitlists can be long.
• Homeowners age 62+ may qualify for USDA Section 504 grants/loans for essential home repairs and accessibility, and for free Weatherization to cut utility costs.
• South Dakota offers property tax relief for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities. Verify current rules and deadlines with the South Dakota Department of Revenue.
• Don’t ignore notices. For eviction, foreclosure, or discrimination, contact legal aid and a HUD-approved housing counselor quickly and document everything.
• Tribal elders, veterans, LGBTQ+ seniors, disabled seniors, and rural residents have additional, targeted resources—find them below with direct links to official sources.

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If you need emergency help

• Call 211 or visit the South Dakota Helpline Center’s 211 Community Resources to find shelters, rent/utility help, and local assistance.
  • https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/
• Facing a lockout or court date? Contact legal aid right away:
  • East River Legal Services (civil legal help): https://www.erlservices.org/
  • Dakota Plains Legal Services (western/tribal areas): https://www.dpls.org/
• At risk of homelessness? Ask for “coordinated entry” or “ESG/homeless services” when you call 211. These connect you to the state’s homelessness network.
• Mental health crisis or you feel unsafe: call or text 988 (24/7).
  • https://988lifeline.org/
• Need adult protective services (abuse, neglect, exploitation): start with South Dakota DHS — Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and Adult Protective Services.
  • https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/

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Who this guide helps

This guide is for South Dakota residents age 60+ looking for help with rent, home repairs, accessibility, utilities, property taxes, assisted living supports, and fair housing rights. We include options for homeowners, renters, and caregivers, with special sections for veterans, tribal elders, LGBTQ+ seniors, disabled seniors, and rural residents.

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How housing help works in South Dakota

• State housing agency: The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) administers many federal/state housing programs and funds local providers. Start here for rental listings and statewide housing information: https://www.sdhda.org/
• Local delivery: Most direct rental help and waitlists are run by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), local governments, tribal housing entities, and community action agencies. Use official directories in this guide to find your closest office.
• Utilities and weatherization: South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) runs LIHEAP (energy assistance). Weatherization is delivered by community action agencies.
  • LIHEAP (DSS): https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/
  • Weatherization overview (U.S. DOE): https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
• Aging and disability supports: South Dakota DHS — LTSS and Dakota at Home (the state’s Aging & Disability Resource Center) help you navigate in-home supports and long-term care options.
  • LTSS: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/
  • Dakota at Home: https://dakotaathome.org/

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Quick-start: What help is out there?

Note: Eligibility rules and funding levels change. Always confirm with the agency.

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Help with rent and finding affordable senior apartments

HUD vouchers and public housing

• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): You pay roughly 30% of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to a local limit. Learn more at HUD’s overview: https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8
• Public Housing: Similar income-based rent, but you rent a unit run by a PHA. Overview: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/ph
• How to apply: Find your nearest PHA using HUD’s PHA directory and ask about elderly preferences and open waitlists: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• Reality check: Waitlists can be long. Some PHAs open lists for just days, others are first-come with local preferences (like living/working in the area, elderly/disabled status, or veterans). If you can, apply to more than one PHA.

Section 202 and other senior-designated housing

• Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly helps nonprofits build and operate affordable senior apartments, sometimes with service coordinators. Program info: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
• Finding senior apartments in South Dakota:
  • Use HUD’s Resource Locator to search “Affordable senior housing”: https://resources.hud.gov/
  • Browse South Dakota’s statewide rental listing site (many subsidized and senior units): https://www.sdhousingsearch.com/
  • You can also ask local PHAs and the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) about senior-designated properties: https://www.sdhda.org/

Tips to strengthen your application

• Gather documents early (ID, Social Security card, proof of income, bank statements, benefit letters, and past landlord info).
• If you’re disabled or over 62, ask if there’s an elderly/disabled preference and how to document it.
• Keep contact info updated with every PHA so you don’t lose your spot.
• Use HUD’s income limits tool to check eligibility by county/metro and household size: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html (choose the latest Income Limits and select South Dakota).

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Staying in your home: prevention, counseling, and short-term help

• Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing: These programs (funded by HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants) can help with short-term rent/utility arrears and case management. In South Dakota, start by dialing 211 for coordinated entry and local providers: https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/
• Mortgage and foreclosure counseling: Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor early if you get behind. They can help with repayment plans and options with your lender. Find counselors here: https://hudgov-answers.force.com/housingcounseling/s/
• Legal help for eviction, unsafe conditions, or discrimination:
  • East River Legal Services: https://www.erlservices.org/
  • Dakota Plains Legal Services: https://www.dpls.org/
  • HUD Fair Housing (file a complaint): https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
• Reality check: Pandemic-era rent and mortgage relief programs (like SD CARES) have ended. Today’s help focuses on ongoing affordability (vouchers), short-term prevention, and mediation/negotiation. Apply early and stay in contact with your landlord or mortgage servicer.

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Property tax relief for seniors in South Dakota

South Dakota offers property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities, including assessment freezes and other relief options. Program details, income/asset limits, and deadlines can change each year. Review current rules and application forms at the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Relief Programs page:

• South Dakota Department of Revenue — Property Tax Relief Programs: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/

Tip: City and county treasurers often help with forms. Bring proof of age, income, and property information.

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Home repairs, health and safety fixes, and accessibility

The big three: USDA 504, Weatherization, and local rehab

Additional useful links and providers:

• USDA Rural Development South Dakota (state office and local contacts): https://www.rd.usda.gov/sd
• GROW South Dakota (Northeast/central regions; housing rehab and weatherization information): https://www.growsd.org/
• Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (central/eastern): https://www.interlakescap.com/
• Western South Dakota Community Action (western counties): https://www.wsdca.org/

Reality check: Funds for repairs are limited and competitive. USDA 504 grants are for the most critical health/safety needs. Be ready with estimates, proof of ownership, and income documentation.

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Utilities and weatherization

• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance): Helps with heating/cooling bills and crisis situations. Apply through South Dakota DSS: https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Provides free energy-efficiency upgrades that reduce bills long-term. Start with your local community action agency or learn more here: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
• Lifeline (phone/internet discount): Qualifying low-income households can get a monthly discount on phone or broadband service. Learn more and apply: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

Note: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program’s funding lapsed in 2024. If you used ACP, ask your provider about low-cost plans and apply for Lifeline if eligible.

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Assisted living, in-home help, and Medicaid supports

• South Dakota Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS): Helps older adults remain at home or in the community with services like homemaker help, personal care, and caregiver support. Start here: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/
• Dakota at Home (Aging & Disability Resource Center): A free helpline to explore options like homemaker services, home-delivered meals, ramps/grab bars, transportation, and more: https://dakotaathome.org/
• Medicaid waiver options: South Dakota’s Medicaid programs can fund in-home and community services for eligible seniors who meet medical and financial criteria. Learn about South Dakota Medicaid and LTSS options: https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/

Tip: If you think you may need assisted living or nursing home care in the next 6–12 months, contact LTSS now to understand options and any waitlists.

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Fair housing, tenant rights, and avoiding discrimination

• It’s illegal to be denied housing or evicted because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity under HUD guidance), familial status, or disability. Learn more and file a complaint with HUD: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
• For help with reasonable accommodations (like grab bars, service animals, or accessible parking), talk to your landlord in writing and keep copies. Legal aid can help if your request is ignored or denied.
  • East River Legal Services: https://www.erlservices.org/
  • Dakota Plains Legal Services (includes many reservations): https://www.dpls.org/

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What to expect: timelines, documents, and roadblocks

Documents you’ll likely need:

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Special focus: resources for specific groups

Tribal elders (Native seniors)

• Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) administer housing on reservations under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA). Contact your tribe’s housing office for rental units, rehab, and homeownership support.
• HUD Office of Native American Programs (Northern Plains): Tribal housing programs and contacts: https://www.hud.gov/codetalk
• HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (for eligible borrowers): https://www.hud.gov/section184
• Many tribal programs coordinate with local community action agencies for weatherization and energy help. Ask your TDHE and call 211 for local referrals.

Veteran seniors

• HUD-VASH (HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) combines a housing voucher with VA case management. Learn more: https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) offers rapid rehousing and prevention help for very low-income veteran households: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
• Start with your nearest VA Health Care System (Sioux Falls or Black Hills) and ask for HUD-VASH or SSVF, and call 211 for community resources.

Disabled seniors

• PHAs often have elderly/disabled preferences for vouchers and public housing—ask when you apply.
• For accessibility modifications and safety fixes, combine USDA 504 (if eligible) with local rehab programs; also explore Medicaid LTSS for in-home supports: https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/ and https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/
• If you face disability-related discrimination, use HUD’s fair housing complaint process: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing

LGBTQ+ seniors

• Housing providers receiving HUD funds must follow HUD’s Equal Access Rule and may not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity under HUD enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. More info: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing
• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline offers peer support and referrals: https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline/
• If you encounter bias or harassment, document everything and contact legal aid and HUD.

Rural seniors

• Most of South Dakota is rural—USDA Rural Development programs are especially important for repairs and rentals in small towns. State office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sd
• Find USDA-supported affordable rental properties with the official search tool (filter by South Dakota): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/multi-family-housing/multi-family-housing-property-search
• Transportation is often the biggest barrier. Ask Dakota at Home (https://dakotaathome.org/) for local transport and home-delivered services that help you remain at home.

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Resources by region (find local help faster)

Use 211 to find the closest provider to your address: https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/

• Statewide directories and agencies
  • South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA): https://www.sdhda.org/
  • HUD in South Dakota (state office and programs): https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota
  • HUD PHA directory (find your local housing authority): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
  • SDHousingSearch.com (statewide rental listings, including senior housing): https://www.sdhousingsearch.com/
  • USDA Rural Development South Dakota: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sd
  • South Dakota DSS — Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/
  • Weatherization (program overview): https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
  • Dakota at Home (ADRC): https://dakotaathome.org/
  • Legal Aid: East River Legal Services (https://www.erlservices.org/) and Dakota Plains Legal Services (https://www.dpls.org/)
• Eastern/Central South Dakota
  • Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (multiple counties in central/eastern SD; weatherization, housing rehab, and more): https://www.interlakescap.com/
  • City of Sioux Falls — Housing programs and information: https://www.siouxfalls.gov/planning-development/housing
  • Sioux Falls Housing (PHA information and programs): https://www.siouxfallshousing.org/
• Northeast and North-Central South Dakota
  • GROW South Dakota (weatherization, housing rehab, lending): https://www.growsd.org/
  • HUD PHA directory (for Aberdeen, Watertown, and nearby PHAs): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• Western South Dakota and the Black Hills
  • Western South Dakota Community Action (weatherization and related services): https://www.wsdca.org/
  • City of Rapid City — Housing and Community Development: https://www.rcgov.org/departments/community-development/housing/
• Reservations and Tribal Programs
  • Contact your tribe’s housing authority/TDHE (ask 211 or see HUD ONAP portal): https://www.hud.gov/codetalk
  • Dakota Plains Legal Services (civil legal help across many reservations): https://www.dpls.org/

If you don’t see your town listed, use the HUD PHA directory and 211 to find the nearest PHA and community action agency.

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How to apply without the headache

1. Map your goal.
   • Need lower rent for the long term? Apply to PHAs for vouchers/public housing and get on senior apartment waitlists.
   • Need a critical home repair or accessibility upgrade? Check USDA 504 and local rehab programs.
   • Struggling with utilities? Apply for LIHEAP and ask about weatherization.
2. Gather documents (see checklist above) and keep a labeled folder—paper and digital.
3. Apply to more than one program. You can be on multiple waitlists at the same time.
4. Track everything. Write down confirmation numbers, dates, and who you spoke with.
5. Follow up every 30–60 days—especially with PHAs and repair programs.
6. If denied, ask for the reason in writing and how to appeal or reapply.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Missing deadlines or not opening mail from agencies.
• Assuming you’re ineligible—always check current income limits with official tools like HUD’s Income Limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
• Paying “application fees” to third parties. Application help should be free—call 211 if someone tries to charge you.

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Realities, warnings, and tips

• Waiting lists are normal. That’s why it’s smart to join multiple lists and keep your information updated.
• Repairs funding runs out. Submit a complete application quickly and be flexible with contractor scheduling.
• Scams target seniors. Don’t share your SSN or pay fees to “guarantee” housing. Report scams to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and tell your local police if you’ve lost money.
• Keep a paper trail. Save copies of applications, notices, and receipts.
• Use a backup plan. If you’re at risk of losing housing, contact 211 and a HUD-approved housing counselor the same day.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I find affordable senior apartments near me?
A: Start with HUD’s Resource Locator to find subsidized and senior-designated properties: https://resources.hud.gov/ and the statewide listing site: https://www.sdhousingsearch.com/. Call properties to ask about current wait times and how to apply.

Q2: I can’t afford my rent this month. Is there any short-term help?
A: Call 211 immediately: https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/. Ask about homelessness prevention, ESG rent/utility assistance, and faith/community funds in your county. If you have a court date, contact legal aid.

Q3: What income do I need for a voucher or senior apartment?
A: Programs use local income limits, which vary by county and household size. Check the latest numbers with HUD’s Income Limits tool and select South Dakota: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html.

Q4: What if my landlord refuses to install grab bars or allow my service animal?
A: That may be a fair housing issue. Request a reasonable accommodation in writing and keep a copy. If denied or ignored, contact legal aid and consider filing with HUD: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

Q5: I own my home and need a ramp and electrical fixes. Where do I start?
A: Look at USDA 504 repair grants/loans (62+ for grants): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants. Also call your local community action agency for weatherization and small repairs. Links: GROW SD (https://www.growsd.org/), Inter-Lakes CAP (https://www.interlakescap.com/), Western SD CAA (https://www.wsdca.org/).

Q6: Can I apply for more than one program?
A: Yes. It’s smart to be on multiple waitlists (vouchers, public housing, senior apartments) and to apply for utilities help and weatherization. Just keep track of each application.

Q7: Do these programs consider my savings?
A: Some do. PHAs consider assets when calculating rent; repair programs may have asset limits. Ask the agency and review their written policies.

Q8: I live on a reservation. Should I apply through the tribe or HUD/USDA?
A: Both may be options. Start with your tribal housing authority (TDHE) for NAHASDA-funded programs, and also explore USDA and LIHEAP. Use HUD’s ONAP portal to find contacts: https://www.hud.gov/codetalk.

Q9: Are there property tax breaks for seniors?
A: South Dakota offers property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities. Check the Department of Revenue for current eligibility, forms, and deadlines: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/.

Q10: How can I avoid scams when looking for housing?
A: Never pay for a “guaranteed” voucher or a waiting-list spot. Verify listings with SDHousingSearch.com and your local PHA. If it seems too good to be true, call 211 or legal aid for a second opinion.

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Tables you can use right now

1) Program-by-goal quick picks

2) Home repair options side by side

3) Common documents checklist

4) Typical timelines and follow-ups

5) Red flags and where to report

Fair Housing complaint (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing

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Official stats and context

• Roughly 17% of South Dakota residents are age 65+ (U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts). This means many households are living on fixed incomes and may qualify for housing assistance. Source: U.S. Census Bureau — South Dakota QuickFacts: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/SD
• Income limits and payment standards vary by county and change every year. Always check HUD’s latest Income Limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html

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Resources (bookmark these)

• South Dakota Housing Development Authority (programs, data, links): https://www.sdhda.org/
• HUD in South Dakota (state contact and programs): https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota
• HUD Resource Locator (find affordable and senior housing): https://resources.hud.gov/
• HUD PHA Directory (apply for vouchers/public housing): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• USDA Rural Development — South Dakota: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sd
• USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• South Dakota DSS — LIHEAP Energy Assistance: https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/
• Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE): https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program
• South Dakota Department of Revenue — Property Tax Relief Programs: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/
• Dakota at Home (Aging & Disability Resource Center): https://dakotaathome.org/
• HUD-approved housing counselors (search): https://hudgov-answers.force.com/housingcounseling/s/
• Legal Aid: East River Legal Services (https://www.erlservices.org/) and Dakota Plains Legal Services (https://www.dpls.org/)
• VA Homeless Programs — HUD-VASH: https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/ and SSVF: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
• 211 Helpline Center — South Dakota: https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/
• Fair Housing (complaints and rights): https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing

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Disclaimer

Program rules, funding, and eligibility change. Links may update during the year. Always confirm details with the agency or program before applying. This guide is informational and not legal or financial advice.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.